"We have taken a decision that we will try our best to see that there is no case pending beyond five years. Five years will be the maximum for the old case. Beyond that no. We are trying our best...," Justice Dattu told reporters after a conference of Chief Justices of 24 High Courts and Chief Ministers here.

Referring to the Supreme Court, he said "my judges are doing the best to see that the maximum life for a case in the court is not more than two years. We are making all efforts, we are taking all effective steps."

He said vacancies in judiciary was a big hurdle to deal with the issue of pendency.